When visiting Hakone, shopping for souvenirs is just as important as unwinding in hot springs, taking in the serene waters of Lake Ashi, or witnessing the volcanic wonders of Owakudani.
If you’ve already checked classic souvenirs like onsen manju, black eggs, and Hakone Rusks off your list and want something fresh and distinctive, cast your gaze toward nearby Odawara as well! Throughout 2026, the Odawara and Hakone area has rolled out an array of innovative new finds—from beauty products crafted with regional lemons to room-temperature cheese baked goods that travel easily.
Here are 5 standout souvenirs from Odawara and Hakone that make perfect treats for yourself or stylish gifts for friends back home.
1. Kataura Lemon Sheet Mask (片浦レモン シートマスク)
Take the essence of Odawara’s famous lemons home—this time for your skincare routine!
If you are shopping for beauty enthusiasts, this sheet mask packed with local character is a must-buy.
Released in 2026 by the Odawara Citrus Club, the Kataura Lemon Sheet Mask is a beauty souvenir crafted with lemons grown in the local Kataura district. It blends distilled lemon peel water and fruit peel extracts with trending skincare powerhouses like CICA (Centella asiatica) and hyaluronic acid. It turns local agriculture into a soothing post-vacation self-care ritual.
The mask was developed under the supervision of renowned Japanese hair and makeup artist RYUJI, who has contributed to international fashion editorials like Vogue, ELLE, and Harper’s Bazaar, styled icons like Ayumi Hamasaki, and actively works in beauty product development. His creative touch elevates a humble local citrus mask into a chic skincare essential.
In addition, the production sustainably upcycles lemon rinds left over after juicing—transforming what would otherwise be discarded into gentle skincare. Lightweight and compact, it slips easily into carry-on luggage and offers a special “only found here” charm that snacks can rarely match.
2. Hakone Kodachi (箱根 木立ち)
Hakone’s peaceful woodlands have been transformed into a delicate box of cheese-and-chocolate sandwich cookies. If you pass through Odawara Station, keep an eye out for this striking newcomer.
Launched on June 25, 2026, by Mori no Cheese-sha (a sub-brand born from the popular Hakone Cheese Terrace), “Hakone Kodachi” is currently exclusive to the Lusca Odawara station building store.
The name Kodachi means “a grove of trees,” embodying the concept of capturing Hakone’s forested charm inside a gift box. The cookies blend bold blue cheese and creamy white-mold cheese directly into the dough, sandwiching a rich layer of sweet chocolate in between. The harmony of savory, aromatic cheese and smooth sweetness delivers an addictive, grown-up flavor profile.
Fragrant Hakone Cheese Pie (薫る箱根のチーズパイ)
When people think of Hakone Cheese Terrace, their velvety, rich cheesecakes usually come to mind. Starting in May 2026, however, the brand introduced its first-ever line of room-temperature baked treats, headlined by the Fragrant Hakone Cheese Pie.
Released on May 2, 2026, this treat solves a classic travel dilemma: worrying whether chilled desserts will melt during the journey home. Storable at room temperature, these pies travel hassle-free. Each piece is individually wrapped, making them ideal to hand out to coworkers at the office or to savor alongside your afternoon cup of coffee.
Financheeze (フィナンチーズ)
Also debuting in May 2026 from Hakone Cheese Terrace, Financheeze combines the French financier sponge cake with rich cheese, cleverly reflected in its playful portmanteau name.
This room-temperature confection is available individually as well as in 4-piece and 8-piece gift boxes—striking the right balance between refined presentation and approachable casualness. If you love cheese, this delivers a far more memorable flavor punch than standard financiers. Enjoying one with hot coffee or black tea after returning home lets the relaxed vibes of your Hakone trip linger a little longer.
Giant Crispy Cream Puffs at Shonan Cafe Lab (小田原・湘南カフェラボ)
While not a brand-new 2026 release, SHONAN CAFE LAB in Odawara is a hidden local favorite well worth seeking out.
The bakery emphasizes hand-selected regional ingredients like Shonan-grown wheat and fresh Shonan milk. Artisans craft standout pastries daily, led by their signature Giant Crispy Cream Puff (Choux à la Crème). The pastry shell features an exceptionally fragrant, light, and flaky crust that cracks open to reveal a generous filling of velvety, rich custard that never feels overly sweet.
While the giant puffs are best enjoyed fresh during your day trip, the boutique cafe also sells smaller pastries and room-temperature baked goods suitable to take home. For travelers who love uncovering independent, quality cafes and experiencing farm-fresh Japanese ingredients, this spot is a wonderful side stop.
Discover a Fresh Side of Odawara & Hakone!
In the past, souvenir shopping in Hakone often defaulted to standard favorites like onsen manju, black eggs, and rusks. While those classics remain beloved, keeping an eye out for these fresh hidden gems adds variety to your travels.
From skincare that upcycles fragrant Kataura lemons into soothing sheet masks, to sophisticated cheese cookies inspired by Hakone’s forests and travel-friendly baked pies, the regional souvenir scene has become more design-forward and creative than ever. Make sure to pick up a few of these unique treats on your next journey through Kanagawa!
